Fourteen years ago I was a bright, active young woman who enjoyed exercise and life in general. I was part of the state champion gymnastic team, studying psychology and working at the Casino to help pay my way through university. When working one day at the Casino, I slipped and fell down 19 solid concrete steps, hit my head and lay unconscious, until someone found me. I had broken my back in two places, dislocated my shoulder and fractured my neck. When in hospital I was told I would never walk again. After spending three weeks in traction and in constant pain, I commenced the rehabilitation process and was determined to walk. Due to being in constant pain, I just didn’t want to do anything let alone exercise. After getting married and having three children the weight continued to increase and I reached 140 kilograms. I punished myself by not eating all day, but my evening dinner was three times the size of a standard meal. I knew it was wrong but continued to punish myself. The turning point in my life was that the pain in my back got so bad that I could not get out of bed without help from my husband. That was Christmas 3 years ago. My new year’s solution was to start eating healthier and over a period of time I lost 33 kilograms. I visited Curves and really wanted to join but just couldn’t afford the joining fee at this point in my life. My husband knew how much I wanted to join Curves and bought me a mother’s day gift certificate. I joined Curves Forest Lake and have never looked back; I now work out three times a week, continue to eat healthy and gain more confidence each day. I love life and exercise, but more importantly myself. I now work at Curves and love to help others and tell my story. I have lost 50 kilograms and I continue to focus and reevaluate my goals everyday.

Cecile Biais is a young woman who lives in Berkshire, a county in southern England. Cecilia approached her thirties, an age considered by many women as the "ideal age", but she bought her clothes in shops reserved for large sizes. She wanted to lose weight at any price, but did not know how to get started. "The more I swelled, the more I was depressed ... I totally lost my confidence, both at work with my friends. " In just one year, Cecile literally melted. With a size 50-52, she now has a recognizable figure with a waist of 38. She lost over 30 kilos and 167 cm distributed throughout the body! She says she spent a challenging year, but "without Curves, I could not have done!" In addition to her phenomenal weight loss and greatly improved fitness, Cecile also sees life in a much more positive way. Today she has more confidence in herself and feels more "balanced". Her health has also greatly improved, her attitude is positive and style of living has improved, elements that have brought her closer to her family. According to Cecile, this Curves adventure has changed her life. "It's the best decision I ever made."

When Diane Jordan made the decision to join Curves in 2006, her morale was "at the bottom." His size 60 did not only affect her pride; she seriously endangered her life. She had all the risks of developing hypertensive disorders, diabetes or suffering a stroke, among other serious health problems. At Curves, Diane learned that some small changes could make all the difference. Encouraged by the staff of Curves and the 30 minute workout three times a week, she began to drink water every day and eat smaller healthier food portions. She also began eating more fruits and vegetables. In just two years, Diane's efforts have paid off. She has now lost nearly 32 kilograms and wears size 14 dresses! She is proud of her efforts and said, thinking of her debut at Curves, "Since that time, I built a new life and I now have more confidence in myself and my body." Thinking about her new figure and the changes it has brought to her every day life, Diane recalls: "The last time I was this thin, I was a teenager!". In addition to this, Diane told us that before joining Curves and begin this adventure, she had never owned a pair of jeans or a single dress. After losing nearly 32 kg, jeans and dresses have now become two essential elements of her new wardrobe.